Interest Assessments Interest assessment tools are used to help an individual decide which occupation she would find most rewarding. Usually the individual reviews a list of activities and indicates which interest him or her. The test administrator then identifies which occupations are related to the selected activities.

Interest tests can be based on what someone has experienced rather than what he or she might be really interested in. For example, in part because of the lack of experience and socialization many people with disabilities face in school, interest assessments could indicate that they prefer activities that involve things over those that involve people. Consequently, they might be encouraged to enter jobs that involve manufacturing which could be low-paying with few benefits and opportunities for career advancement.